Nova Southeastern University
Since being first chartered in 1964 as the Nova University of Advanced Technology, Nova Southeastern University has grown into a major comprehensive private non-sectarian research institution. NSU is physically headquartered on a main 480-acre suburban campus in Fort Lauderdale within Broward County. Nova Southeastern operates eight extension centers across Florida and an online virtual campus accessible from anywhere. Across its 18 academic divisions, NSU enrolls more than 6,300 undergraduates and 22,000 post-graduates in over 250 majors. The Carnegie Foundation has recognized Nova Southeastern University for its high research activity and community engagement.
Featuring a low student-faculty ratio of 16:1, Nova Southeastern follows the motto of "Engage, Inspire, Achieve" to provide high-quality personalized education. NSU has been ranked the 222nd best research university in America and the 161st best college in the South by Forbes magazine. The U.S. News and World Report has honored Nova Southeastern University for having the 22nd best online graduate criminal justice programs and 77th best online graduate nursing degrees. NSU's diverse community ranks #1 for awarding doctoral degrees to African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. Washington Monthly magazine also has distinguished Nova Southeastern University has the 239 best master's level institution for ethics and social mobility.
Nova Southeastern University Accreditation Details
Reaffirmed for 10 years, Nova Southeastern University has been formally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This is one of six regional accrediting agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Several academic departments have received their own discipline-specific accreditations too. For instance, nursing degrees are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Education programs are given the stamp of approval from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Business degrees are also accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).
Nova Southeastern University Application Requirements
Nova Southeastern University has a very selective acceptance rate of 48 percent, which means graduate students will need to fulfill intensive criteria for admissions. Prospective online master's students must already possess a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent. Having a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in the final 60 hours of undergraduate studies is required for unconditional acceptance. Applicants with a GPA between 2.25 and 2.49 will need to submit graduate entrance exam scores. Earning at least a 306 on the GRE or 450 on the GMAT will be key. International students must showcase English language proficiency by passing the TOEFL exam with an Internet-based score over 79.
Prior to the posted deadlines, interested applicants wishing to earn an online master's degree from Nova Southeastern University must submit the following:
- A completed online application form
- Official transcripts from each college attended
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or student visa
- Graduate entrance exam score results
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- A statement of career goals
- Payment for the $50 non-refundable fee
Tuition and Financial Aid
Forbes magazine gave Nova Southeastern University a financial grade of C, because education costs are steeper than some other colleges. Tuition rates vary based on the online master's program chosen. Most programs will range from $55 to $895 per credit hour. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that full-time graduate students attending NSU pay an average of $15,882 in tuition annually. Master's learners should expect to pay an additional $650 in fees each academic year, including the internship fee, student services fee, technology fee, and professional seminar fee. Textbooks and living expenses aren't included.
For covering these costs, 99 percent of Nova Southeastern students receive some form of need-based financial aid after filing their FAFSA form. Master's students can borrow money through Perkins loans, Direct Unsubsidized loans, or Grad PLUS loans, but the federal government charges interest for repayment. Certain students could qualify for receiving the Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, FSEOG Grant, or Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship is available for one semester of graduate study. Veterans are eligible for tuition benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill. Graduate scholarships are also abundant at Nova Southeastern, including the Changing Lives Emerging Scholars Award, Dean's Scholarship, Gold Circle Scholarship, and Lillian Rose Scholarship.
Online Degrees Available
For busy working adults needing a flexible learning format, Nova Southeastern University offers access to accredited graduate education through its highly developed Distance Education Division. Currently, students can select from 51 online master's degree programs. Online NSU students benefit from networking with diverse colleagues, building one-on-one relationships with accomplished professors, and accessing local internships. The online master's degrees delivered by NSU include:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Over just eight semesters, the Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Nova Southeastern prepares registered nurses for advancing their careers into leadership. Based on nurses' unique goals, the 36-credit curriculum can be specialized in Nursing Education, Health Systems Leadership, or Nursing Informatics. There's also a unique Hybrid MSN Nurse Practitioner program available for blending online classes with in-class seminars and clinical rotations. Registered nurses with an associate's degree can follow an Online RN-to-MSN track with additional credits.
Master of Accounting (MAcc)
As the largest accounting program in Florida, the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program uses a fully online format to produce qualified Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Featuring a 39-credit curriculum, the program gives NSU graduate students the advanced knowledge and skills to make key financial decisions. Online courses covering financial statement analysis, information systems, auditing, cost accounting, and fund accounting can be completed in just 21 months. There's also a unique professional competency course in value-driven management.
M.S. in Developmental Disabilities
Offered entirely online from anywhere with an Internet connection, the M.S. in Developmental Disabilities program at NSU is focused on studying issues related to developmental delays affecting people across the lifespan. This program is ideal for future special educators, school administrators, early childhood interventionists, job coaches, case managers, and educational policymakers. An optional Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concentration can be added. Students must complete a 30-credit curriculum with an applied master's research project.
When students are looking for web-based instruction, Nova Southeastern University is a great option offering accredited online master's programs ranging from criminal justice and computer science to human resources and nutrition.